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Okay, I'll admit that I had reservations when I first sat down to read
this book. After all, there's a picture of a man with his face painted,
pulling at a hairdo that would make only a Neanderthal proud. On top of
it, the book is called Bang Your Head!
However, after reading the first line, I knew I was in for something
much different than what the cover was advertising.
"Hi. My name is Dewey Robertson."
To me, this line sets the tone of the book -- conversational, personable,
and down to earth.
Bang Your Head! The Real Story of the Missing Link is about the life of
"Dewey" Byron James John Robertson -- wrestler, husband, father, and
addict.
The book takes the reader from Robertson's early childhood days, to his
career as a professional wrestler and business owner, to his life as it
is now.
The book pulls no punches as Robertson speaks openly about the industry
and his problems with alcohol, drugs, steroids, and infidelity, to name
a few. The story also ventures into the former grappler's family life
and how his career and addictions destroyed many close relationships,
including his marriage.
Bang Your Head!, as told by Robertson and written by Meredith Renwick,
begins with Dewey describing his early life, which included an alcoholic
father and a fascination with sports. Like most Canadian kids, Dewey's
initial dream was to become an NHL hockey player. However, he also held
an interest in the wrestling shows he'd watch on TV, which provided
him a source of entertainment, but also an outlet for frustrations
brought on by his troubled home life.
Both aspects would prove instrumental in Robertson becoming a gifted
athlete, and subsequently lead to his introduction into the world of
sports entertainment, although considered "professional wrestling" back
in Robertson's day.
Before becoming a wrestler, Robertson focused on professional body
building, working out at a gym owned by former British Empire wrestling
champion Al Spittle. It was during this time that Robertson started to
take an interest in wrestling, training with Jack Hill.
Through Hill, Robertson learned the basics of wrestling -- holds, how to
fall, etc. Spittle's gym eventually closed, but fortunately for
Robertson a wrestling school opened in its place. The school was
operated by Benny Lima, who Robertson went on to train under.
It was during this time, while also working as a lifeguard, Robertson
met a woman, Gail, who would eventually become his wife and life support
throughout his career.
Robertson's first taste of wrestling came while training with Lima.
Bruno Sammartino, who at this time was booking guys for the Pittsburgh
territory, phoned Lima looking for four "jobbers" to work live Saturday
TV shows. Robertson's name was put forward, and with that the young
Canadian made his wrestling debut at the age of 24.
Robertson's wrestling career spanned over several decades, with a number
of highlights and low points along the way.
Robertson recalls winning numerous championships, bouts with names such
as Harley Race, Ric Flair, and Hulk Hogan, and getting his family
involved in the business, with his sons becoming wrestlers and wife
playing the role his valet once becoming the Missing Link.
The Canadian grappler also recalls his own transformations, going from a
baby-face wrestler, to a masked hero known as the Crusader (teaming with Billy Red Lyons), to his most
well-known persona The Missing Link.
Robertson shares tales of infidelity on the road, his long-term
addictions to alcohol and marijuana, and his dependence on steroids. As
well, Robertson recalls the toll these demons took on his body, mind,
and family, particularly the abuse his wife suffered as a result.
Robertson also shares personal lows he and his family endured as a
result of his career and addictions. These stories of sacrifice and woe
include multiple family moves, Robertson's wife pawning personal items
so the couple could afford food, and a time when the couple was forced
to rummage through a restaurant dumpster for a meal.
Other crucial highs and lows in the Link's life include Robertson's
successful Canadian Heavyweight Championship bout with Greg Valentine in
1979, his first brush with death in an alcohol- and drug-related car
accident, a time when he sold his son's car to a friend for $1, a stint
with the WWF in 1985, bouts with anxiety and depression, being diagnosed
with cancer in 1993, a suicide attempt, and the eventual end of his
marriage.
While Robertson's tragic stories, accountability for his actions and
uncanny honesty make this book a must-read to wrestling fans, the real
strength of Bang Your Head! comes from the book's writing.
The Toronto-based Renwick employs a writing style that any reader
can appreciate -- the use of clear and simple language, crafted in a way
that makes you feel as though you are sitting in the same room listening
to Robertson tell his tale.
Another feature of the book is the abundance of photos. Not only do
these images help the reader put a face to the story, they help to tell
the tale of a man who was more than a wrestler in his life.
The only weakness the book presents comes in the second half. There are
sections in this portion where Robertson provides readers with snapshots
of his stints with various wrestling companies. For die-hard fans this
section is gold. For casual readers, this section becomes nothing more
than accounts of wrestling cards and opinions on how various promoters
and owners operated and, in many cases, failed. Much of the life aspects
presented in these sections become diluted and lost in the details.
At a brief 200 pages, I think Robertson and Renwick could have focused
more on the Link's personal stories, as many accounts merely scratch the
surface of his life. What are missing are accounts of significant
matches in the Link's career. Robertson highlights many of his matches
but does not go into the level of detail that would have helped readers
appreciate the significance of certain bouts.
The book itself is symbolic of Dewey Robertson -- what you see on the
cover is not what necessarily what you can expect to read on inside. And
it's the content, how it's presented, and overall openness that make
Bang Your Head! The Real Story of The Missing Link an excellent read for
fans of the Link and wrestling in general, and for those who just enjoy
a good human interest story.
RELATED LINKS
Rod Desnomie, who would happily join Vince McMahon's butt-smooching club if it meant a free trip to Las Vegas, can be reached at rdesnomie77@hotmail.com.
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